The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.

Top Free Dispersed Camping near Paicines, CA

7 Reviews

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Paicines? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Map showing campgrounds near Paicines, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Paicines, CA (3)

    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
    Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    1. Tumey Hills Box Canyon

    5 Reviews
    •15 Photos•
    114 Saves

    Sign in front with gate closed says “closed to motorized vehicles April-October”

    Look closely at the ground you will find evidence of the vast inland sea that once covered the Tumey Hills. The light porous rocks are composed of diatoms, the tiny, bleached, shell-like skeletons of sea algae. Annual grasslands are lovely in springtime, with beautiful wildflower displays. Rarely seen federally-protected San Joaquin kit fox, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, and giant kangaroo rats make their homes in these hills. Visitors enjoy a day use facility with parking, shade structures, picnic benches, vault toilets and an interpretive kiosk with a map and information about the area.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp

    2. Bluff Camp

    2 Reviews
    •12 Photos•
    105 Saves
    • Fires
    • Dispersed
    • No image available

      3. Tumey Hills

      Be the first to review!
      •
      4 Saves

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Paicines

      7 Reviews of 3 Paicines Campgrounds

      • mThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
        Mar. 23, 2024

        Tumey Hills Box Canyon

        Beautiful spot

        This was such a beautiful spot. It had the greenest hills. It was very peaceful at night. There were people shooting in the morning. But overall the spot was really nice for one night.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
        Apr. 14, 2023

        Tumey Hills Box Canyon

        Quiet at Night

        I couldn’t really identify this place as a campground. It is a shooting range. If you’re in to target practice you’d give it a five. It’s fairly desolate, a port-a-potty, (bring your own TP) and sparse camping spots. One picnic table sat in a day use area, and that gravel parking area is where we set up. It was perfectly flat and level. We didn’t even unhook the trailer. Pack it in and out as there are no services at all other than the potty. The three mile road in from I-5 is paved half way and well-graded dirt the rest. After the shooting stopped, about 8:30 PM, it was amazingly quiet. For us, needing only a stop-over, it was perfect.

      • k
        Camper-submitted photo from Tumey Hills Box Canyon
        Feb. 18, 2023

        Tumey Hills Box Canyon

        Easy, open with nearby amenities!

        Easy overnight BLM spot, we stayed overnight on the way to San Jose - easy to navigate, find & park.

        Close by amenities gas stations, mcdonald’s & freeway about 10 mins out

      • Austin C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Camp
        May. 31, 2019

        Bluff Camp

        Great Solo Backpacking Trip in Ventana Wilderness

        This is a trail camp in the Ventana Wilderness along the Carmel River Trail.  The trailhead and parking lot is at the Los Padres Dam.  The trail is pretty easy to follow, but crosses the river/creek extremely frequently.  I had to cross the river about 50 times in a weekend in an out & back trip.

        This is backcountry backpacking, so:

        • So potable water - bring a filter

        • Pack in pack out trash

        • Fires may be restricted

        • No restrooms or other facilities

        • Lots of poison oak

        • Trail may be impassable at some points

        I got in Friday afternoon so could only hike a few miles before dark.  The Bluff camp was the first real trail camp along the trail, but there are several more further on

        Here is the trail info:

        http://www.ventanawild.org/trails/ventana-wilderness-trails/carmel-river-trail

        Here is an interactive Map: http://bigsurtrailmap.net/interactivemap.html?latlon=36.0898,-121.5651&zoom=11&bkgmap=USGS+Quad+%2BWilderness&mode=trailmap&control=0

      • Austin C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Cone Peak
        May. 29, 2019

        Cone Peak

        Grueling but worthwile backpacking climb

        This was one of the most beautiful backpacking hikes I've ever done, but also one of the more challenging ones to do in one day.

        • 11.1 miles from trail head to the summit
        • 5,600 ft. in elevation gain
        • Took 7.5 hours total (4.5 hours moving time)
        • Limited water on trail.  Saw some springs during the first half but none within miles of the top

        Camping at the top was spectacular.  The sunset was one of the best I have ever seen.  There is an old outpost at the top that someone else was sleeping at to provide shelter for the wind (it was pretty vicious).  The hike down was much, much easier.

        Obviously this is back country camping, so

        • No water supply
        • Pack in Pack out
        • Limited to no cell service

      Guide to Paicines

      Camping near Paicines, California, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: The trails around Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park are a must. One reviewer mentioned, "By day, of course, the trails are wild, like a moonscape."
      • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife in the area. One camper noted, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded. Great for star gazing."
      • Rock Climbing: If you're into climbing, the nearby Pinnacles is famous for its rock formations. A visitor shared, "So exciting to see their first climbing and bouldering outside."

      What campers like:

      • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Laguna Mountain Campground highlights, "Had an awesome visit; the view was great from the campsite."
      • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One camper at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
      • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like California Veterans Memorial Park Campground are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, "Showers, restrooms, tables, and fire rings make it really sweet for the family on a light camping adventure."

      What you should know:

      • Heat in Summer: If you're camping during the summer, be prepared for high temperatures. One camper warned, "Very hot and very dry after June."
      • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Arroyo Seco, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, "There is no water close to the campsite."
      • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground advised, "Your best bet to get a site is to show up a day or two early."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Holiday. One parent said, "It’s perfect for families. Paved roads for bikes, huge playground, nice store, warm pool."
      • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "Great activities for kids. A little busy and can be loud but still a fun time."
      • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand is essential. A camper at Saddle Mountain Ranch noted, "The heated pool, but it still feels like camping."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A visitor at Laguna Seca Recreation Area mentioned, "Great views of lush green hills, and spaces generously sized."
      • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A camper at Moss Landing KOA Express said, "It was convenient, clean, and close to where I needed to go."
      • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A reviewer at Saddle Mountain Ranch advised, "The bathrooms are clean but small."

      Camping near Paicines, California, has something for everyone, from breathtaking views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the heat and plan ahead to secure your spot!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paicines, CA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paicines, CA is Tumey Hills Box Canyon with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paicines, CA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Paicines, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.